Structural steel – common backing material for composite components
What is structural steel?
Structural steel is an unalloyed or low-alloy steel with good formability, weldability and strength. The designations S235 and S355 stand for two common strength classes that are frequently used in mechanical engineering, steel construction and in the manufacture of Rubber-metal composite parts can be used as a carrier material.
S235 and S355 are both types of structural steel. **S235** has a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa (megapascals). **S355** has a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa. The "S" in their designation stands for structural steel. The number indicates the minimum yield strength in MPa. So, S355 is a stronger steel than S235.
The letter „S“ stands for „Structural Steel“, followed by the minimum yield strength in MPa:
- S235: minimum yield strength 235 MPa, good weldability, easy to machine, cost-effective
- S355: minimum yield strength 355 MPa, higher strength, also good weldability, suitable for load-bearing structures
Both variants are easy to process - by welding, cutting, bending or coating - and offer a good balance between cost, availability and technical performance. However, they are only moderately resistant to corrosion and require surface protection (e.g. galvanising, painting) depending on the environment in which they are used.
The fields where construction steel is used are: * **Buildings:** This includes high-rise buildings, residential buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings. * **Bridges:** For bridges of all types and sizes, from small pedestrian bridges to large railway and motorway bridges. * **Infrastructure:** This includes tunnels, dams, power plants, offshore platforms, and tanks. * **Hall construction and sheds:** For the construction of industrial halls, warehouses, and agricultural buildings. * **Reinforcement:** Used to reinforce concrete in all areas of construction (reinforcing steel). * **Support structures:** For load-bearing elements, frames, and supporting structures. * **Scaffolding:** For temporary support structures during construction. Construction steel is appreciated for its high strength, durability, and versatility, making it a fundamental material in modern construction.
Structural steels such as S235 and S355 are used in many areas:
- Carrier materials in Rubber-metal composite parts (e.g. bearings, Damper, Sealing systems)
- Steel structures in mechanical and plant engineering
- Vehicle frames, brackets, reinforcements
- Construction projects such as halls, bridges, railings, frame constructions
The choice of material depends on the required load-bearing capacity, corrosion protection and environmental conditions.
